So... I am so close to crying right now. I am trying so hard to get this cake thing down but can't even seem to get the fondant on the cake!!! I am using Styrofoam dummy cakes so I don't have to bake a bunch of cakes while I am trying to learn. When I put the fondant on first it wants to crack coming off the top corner then when I am trying to get it to stick to the sides it just wants to wrinkle and crack and fall off Any advice would be hugely appreciated

Cake dummies are sometimes harder than cake. I know that sounds crazy.

Did you prep the dummy? Some people use a thin layer of buttercream or piping gel. The fondant will need something to stick to.

What kind of fondant are you using? It sounds might it may be a bit dry. If you are using Satin Ice, did you knead it. If you're using something else, you may need a bit of shortening.

double post

I prepped the dummy cake with piping gel and am using the Wilton rolled fondant.

I prepped the dummy cake with piping gel and am using the Wilton rolled fondant.

Personally, I HATE the Wilton fondant.

In my experience, it is usually rather hard even when right out of the fresh package. Add a bit of shortening & knead it well. It should be nice & elastic

I love Wilton for dummies. I use it for all of my competition cakes.

You need to round off the top edge of the dummy with some fine grit sanding paper, an emery board, or by rubbing it down with a small rolling pin or on the counter top.

I massage the dummy with some crisco and apply the fondant. Makes it easy to put on, easy to take off.

HTH
RAe

Thank you so much for the tips I can't wait to give it another try tomorrow

Actuaslly you don't need to sand the edges. I just covered a sharp edge dummy with none of the issues I thought I would have. In fact, I ahve dummies with rounded edges and I ahve to say it was easier to cover the sharp edge dummy. What I suggest is once you cover it in piping gel or shortening or whatever you use, have someone hold the opposite side in place. Once you get the fondant on, work down over it and it should stay in place. My 11 year old held it on one side with like three fingers to keep it from moving away from me when I covered it and it worked really good.

I'm still having some problems covering my cakes with tears mainly at the bottom, so I can understand your frustration. As far as cake dummies, I prep mine by smoothing the edges with my fondant smoother and it cuts down the sharpness. I also use shortening instead of piping gel.